You Really Should Drink Water First Thing In The Morning

What does your morning routine look like? You slap your alarm clock, stretch your arms wide, put your feet on the floor ... and reach for the glass of water you thoughtfully set on your bedside table the night before, right? Before you protest, know that you probably should be hydrating more than you currently are. Years ago, the CDC found that 43% of American adults consumed fewer than four cups of water a day — a measly volume that's associated with higher incidents of dental cavities, headaches, low energy, and even cognitive impairment. More recent information supports this figure, though that number varies according to many demographic factors. There's a chance that you are at least partially dehydrated, and your body hates you for it.

We know that dehydration is no good, but what does starting the day by drinking water have to do with combating it? Well, in addition to the obvious fact that every precious ounce counts in the quest towards your daily needs, there's also the idea that drinking water from the time you wake up sets you on the path for a day of chugging success. So, grab a bottle of water — no matter which popular brand you prefer — or fill that Stanley, Yeti, or Owala to the brim, because we're diving into your new morning hydration habit.

Starting your day with water helps ensure that you will meet your daily goals because it guarantees that you slug down several ounces right off the bat. Furthermore, that brain-boosting hydration sets you up for success just as you are starting your day, meaning that you will feel less sluggish at work, which, in turn, means that you'll have the mental bandwidth to remember to drink more water. If you start the day well-hydrated, you won't be "chasing" dehydration, which means that your body will reap the benefits round-the-clock.

Yet many ideas about how much water you "should" drink are a combination of myth and bad pop culture science. Legitimate sources say that most adults should drink between four and six cups a day, with a wide variance depending on factors like how much you exercise and the climate in which you live. Plain water isn't the only way you meet your hydration quota for the day, either: caffeinated drinks, sports beverages, and even boozy cocktails with funny names all count (though alcohol is dehydrating, so it's really not the best option). 

Nothing wets your whistle like water, however. With or without ice, which really can impact the flavor of your drink, water won't make you jittery, get you plastered, or spike your blood sugar. So, start the morning right with a tall glass of the good stuff, and keep sipping regularly throughout the day.